Curriculum Development Project:
Business Models and Distribution
Overview:
The Business Models and Distribution Lesson was designed to help emerging entrepreneurs understand the various business models available and the distribution channels that best suit their products or services. This lesson was part of the Amazon Small Business Academy’s curriculum, aimed at equipping learners with actionable strategies to make informed decisions in their business planning. The objective was to create an engaging, learner-centered experience through interactive content, clear examples, and practical exercises.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum Design: Developed and structured the Business Models and Distribution lesson, ensuring the material was logically organized and met learner objectives.
Content Creation: Authored comprehensive lesson plans, interactive activities, and quizzes designed to reinforce key concepts around business models and distribution strategies.
Collaboration: Worked closely with SMEs in retail, e-commerce, and supply chain management to ensure content was grounded in current industry practices and insights.
Instructional Strategy: Implemented a blended approach using video, case studies, and interactive exercises to keep learners engaged and enhance retention.
Creation Process:
Ideation: The lesson originated from identifying a need within the curriculum for a module that clarifies business model selection and distribution strategy. The idea was to demystify how different business models align with specific distribution methods. During this stage, I outlined key questions entrepreneurs face—such as, “How do I choose the right business model for my product?” and “What distribution channel will help me scale efficiently?”
Consultation with SMEs: To ground the lesson in real-world expertise, I collaborated with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from various industries. For the business models section, I consulted with professionals in e-commerce, retail, and B2B sectors to ensure the content captured the advantages, challenges, and applicability of each model. For distribution, I partnered with logistics and supply chain experts to provide learners with a deep understanding of how distribution choices impact scalability, customer reach, and operational efficiency.
Curriculum Mapping: I mapped out the learning objectives, breaking the content into two core modules: one on business model selection (covering direct-to-consumer, B2B, franchising, etc.) and another on distribution strategy (covering retail, online, and hybrid models). The curriculum was structured to first explain theoretical concepts and then guide learners through practical decision-making frameworks. I also built in learning checkpoints for self-assessment at each stage.
Creating a Storyline: To make the content relatable, I created a fictional case study following a small business owner navigating the decision of selecting both a business model and a distribution channel. This narrative gave learners a cohesive, real-world context and allowed them to apply the concepts step-by-step, tracking the entrepreneur’s journey through challenges like market entry, growth, and logistics.
Content and Activity Development: I developed interactive content, including quizzes that required learners to match specific business models with appropriate distribution methods. For example, after learning about B2B models, learners completed a scenario where they had to select the best distribution channel based on given business goals. I also integrated case studies from successful businesses that transitioned from one model or distribution strategy to another, highlighting lessons learned.
Multimedia Integration: The lesson included animated explainer videos that broke down complex concepts visually. I collaborated with multimedia designers to create infographics that compared different business models and distribution channels side-by-side, making the material more digestible. A downloadable worksheet allowed learners to plot their own business model and distribution strategy after the lesson.
Review and Testing: After developing the lesson, I piloted it with a small group of learners (by employing the help of a third party user testing team to remain unbiased) and gathered feedback on content clarity and engagement. I refined the examples and adjusted the pacing based on the pilot results, ensuring the lesson was both informative and user-friendly. Final revisions were made in collaboration with the SMEs to ensure accuracy and practical relevance.
Check out some of the process here:
Design of Course Flow
Curriculum Mapping
Story Boarding
